Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) assist the ordinary ministers (priests and deacons) when the ordinary ministers are not available or require assistance. 

 

An Invitation to Come Closer to Jesus

As members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, we are truly blessed because of its deep devotion to Jesus Christ and the numerous ministries it has to offer. These ministries reach out to build Christian community, help the homeless, the poor, the elderly, and serve in so many other ways. I would like to share with you one of the ministries that is very dear to me: Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, also known as the EMHC Ministry.

Have you ever felt a desire to become closer to Christ? The EMHC may be the ministry God is calling you to get involved with. Serving as an EMHC means holding in your hands the Body and Blood of Christ, and in turn, serving the faithful. We request that our EMHC’s strive to serve at the Main Church at least once a month, though some choose to serve more often to be closer to our Lord. Also, many EMHC’s utilize opportunities to take Holy Communion to assisted living facilities, hospitals, or to those who are homebound in our community. Serving Holy Communion to the elderly, the sick, and the homebound is a humbling experience and a true gift, both for the one who receives and the one who gives. For those who are not able to come to Mass, this time with you and our Lord means the world to them.

“As each one has received a gift,
 use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
 – 1 Peter 4:10 NAB

If you feel Jesus is calling you toward this ministry, we require the following:

1. Pray to Jesus about it.
2. Be Catholic and in good standing with the Church. (For clarification on what it means to “be in good standing” please contact me and I will be happy to help.)
3. Send an email to Dcn. Kevin Boudreaux [email protected] and [email protected] explaining why you feel Jesus has called you to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
4. List all ministries on which you have served at St. Joseph’s and other parishes.
5. Include any additional information you feel would be worthy of consideration.

St. Joseph began serving the Blood of Christ again as of January 2024. We need additional EMHCs to assist with serving Holy Communion, not only at the Sunday Masses, but also to the homebound, in nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. If you are already an EMHC and are not currently serving, we would love to have you back. If you have any questions about the ministry, please email me at [email protected], or call me at (904) 982-4302.

Thank you and God Bless,
Cathy NeSmith
Director, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)